Move-in is an exciting and potentially overwhelming time, whether you're a first-time student or returning. That’s why we’ve created guides for each semester to help your move go smoothly so you can settle in before the semester begins. Here you'll find checklists, schedules, and tips on what to expect from your new roommate and community. For questions about the process, please reach out to the Office of Residence Life. We’re here to help.
What should I bring?
Bed and Bath
- Bath Towels/Washcloths
- Bedding (Twin XL sheets, blanket, pillow, and pillowcase)
- Decorations
- Lamp (non-halogen)
- Personal Hygiene Supplies
- Shower Caddy
- Shower Shoes
- Trash Cans and Liners
Laundry
- Laundry Basket
- Laundry Detergent (HE only, no washer sheets)
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Hangers
Kitchen
- Can Opener
- Crockpot (one per room)
- Dishware/Silverware
- Snack Food
Appliances/Electronics
- Alarm Clock
- Calculator
- Computer
- Ethernet Cord
- Jump Drive/Memory Stick
- Microwave (max 800 watts) Only one per room
- Mini-Refrigerator (max 3.2 cubic feet) Only one per room
- Phone
- Printer (wired connection only)
- Radio, Stereo, MP3 Player, iPod, Movies, etc.
- Surge Protector
- Streaming Device
- TV (must contain a Clear QAM Digital Tuner)
Miscellaneous
- Cleaning Supplies
- Cards/Games
- First Aid Kit
- Sewing repair kit (needle, thread, scissors)
- Umbrella/Rainboots
*To avoid bringing duplicates, you may wish to confer with your roommate.
What should I leave at home?
- Air Conditioner or Space Heaters
- Air fryer
- Alcohol/Drugs
- Appliances with an open heating element (toaster, toaster oven, hot plate, George Foreman grills)
- A halogen lamp, quartz lamp, or any other lamp (including a desk lamp) with an exposed bulb
- Open flames (e.g., candles, incense)
- Hazardous chemicals, including flammable liquids
- Illegal or unauthorized materials (e.g., alcohol, drugs, fireworks, stolen property)
- Pets (except fish)
- Toaster Ovens
- Valuable/Irreplaceable Items
- Weapons (guns, knives, etc.)
- Airsoft/Pellet/BB/Paintball Guns
- Decorative Swords/Knives
- Wi-Fi Routers (will be confiscated)
- Command Strips and LED Light Strips
For a full list of unsupported technology visit Information Technology’s page.
Prepare for the move
Do's and Don'ts when Setting Up Your Room
Do bring an ethernet cord
You have the option of using an Ethernet cord or Wi-Fi to access on-campus internet, but do not connect more than two devices to campus Wi-Fi at any time. Limiting the number of devices connected to Wi-Fi improves access for everyone.
Don't connect printers and video consoles to Wi-Fi
Limit streaming videos to Ethernet-connected devices. Streaming on Wi-Fi-connected devices slows down the system for everyone. Connect printers and video consoles to the Game Network for better reliability and turn off devices when not in use.
Important Reminders
Roommate Interactions – Expect Differences
Southeast residents have different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and lifestyles. In fact, that’s what makes living on campus such a wonderful expansion of your learning experience here at SEMO. Expect to meet and room with people who are different from you—embrace these differences! ‘Different’ does not mean someone is wrong, ignorant, immoral, or strange.
The way you and your roommate handle your differences can make or break your relationship. If you and your roommate disagree about something, ask them to explain their point of view to better understand their position. It may or may not change your mind, but either way, it will give you the opportunity to better understand your roommate’s way of thinking. In the end, you may have to agree to disagree, but sometimes that’s the best way to move forward.
Alcohol and Marijuana are major inhibitors of student academic success. Southeast strictly enforces and prohibits the use and possession of marijuana. The use of recreational or medicinal marijuana in any form is prohibited by University policy. Missouri State Law prohibits the possession, consumption, and distribution of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Southeast Missouri State University expects residential students, visitors, and guests to comply with federal, state, and local laws, and with university policies and procedures.
Candles and Incense are a fire safety hazard that could put you and the residence in your building in danger. The use of candles and incense is prohibited. However, electric candle warmers, scented wax, oil diffusers, and other forms of smoke-less air fresheners are allowed.
Internet. You will want to set these up once you move into your room. To access campus internet, you will need to register all electronic devices that need Wi-Fi. Instructions for accessing the internet are available through IT’s Guide for Personal Devices.
MicroFridges are a combination refrigerator, freezer, and microwave designed specifically for dorm rooms and are available for rent through the Office of Residence Life. They will even deliver the MicroFridge to your room and pick it up at the end of the spring semester. For pricing, rental, and additional information, visit the MicroFridge Rental page.
Are you ready to move in?
Immunization
In accordance with Missouri Revised Statute section 174.335, all campus residents are required to have received the meningococcal vaccine before (no more than five years), prior to the first day of class at Southeast. If you have not submitted a copy of your shot record containing proof of meningitis vaccination, you need to submit verification before you move into the residence hall. If you have not received the vaccination prior to your arrival, you will be directed to the Campus Health Clinic, operated by Southeast HEALTH, to obtain your meningococcal vaccination. The Health Clinic accepts most insurances, and the charge can be applied to your student account.
To be exempt from receiving the shot, you must complete and submit the Student Immunization Waiver Form to the Office of Residence Life. Proof of your meningococcal vaccine or a completed waiver form must be on file prior to the first day of classes.
Res Hall Addresses
Please make sure to address the envelope or package with the student's First and Last Name.
Dobbins River Campus Center, Room #
410 S Fountain Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
Greek Hill Housing
Building ***, Room #
1010 Towers Circle
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
LaFerla Hall, Room #
982 Greek Drive
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Merick Hall, Room #
330 N. Henderson Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Towers
Towers ****, Room #
1000 Towers Circle
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Vandiver Hall, Room #
350 N. Henderson Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Residence Hall Move-In
How do I check my housing assignment?
- Log in to my.semo.edu
- Search Residence Life Housing Portal
- Click the “StarRez Housing Portal” link.
- Assignment information is located under your information on the right-hand side of the page.
Move-In Dates
Due to the number of students moving onto campus, Residence Life will designate move-in days based on student type and residence halls. This allows for ease of traffic flow and ensures there is the needed staff for the residence halls to assist incoming students. These dates may be different from the contracted room assignment dates which students can see in the housing portal.
Early Arrivals
Unfortunately, due to the preparations for Fall, students will not be able to arrive on campus earlier than the beginning of our scheduled move-in process. If you are required by a department to return to campus before your approved date, the department will send Residence Life a list of names they are requesting to move in early and we will partner with them for your early arrival, however, that does not necessarily waive the early arrival fee (ask your department for details). All students may be assessed an early arrival charge of $40/night for each night they are on campus before the above-approved date of arrival.
Room Changes
The room change request will be processed by the Hall Director through the Room Change Request form. The form can be found on the StarRez Housing Portal and will be made available during the third week of classes. Requests will be evaluated based on space availability and are not guaranteed.
Meal Plan
Please refer to the SEMO Dining website for venue dates and times.
Move-in Dates
- International Student- January 2-5
- New Student - January 9-12
- Returning Student- January 10-12
Meal Plans
Meal Plans for the Spring Semester will start on January 8. You can refer to the SEMO Dining website for venue dates and times.
Early Arrivals
Unfortunately, due to the preparations for Spring, students will not be able to arrive on campus earlier than the beginning of our scheduled move-in process. All students may be assessed an early arrival charge of $40/night for each night they are on campus before the above-approved date of arrival.
A limited number of carts may be available; however, students are permitted to bring their own to assist with their move-in. We encourage students to minimize what they bring from home and not bring anything but necessary belongings, no big items, and no furniture. This will make it easier to move in and keep a non-cluttered living area clean and sanitized.
How do I check my housing assignment?
Once assigned, you can view your housing assignment online from your housing portal by following these steps:
- Log in to my.semo.edu
- Search Residence Life Housing Portal
- Click the “StarRez Housing Portal” link.
- Assignment information is located under your information on the right-hand side of the page
Room or Hall Change Requests
Due to space limitations, we may not be able to accommodate building and/or hall requests. If you want to change your room or hall, contact the Office of Residence Life. You will be notified through your Southeast email if a change can be made. If we are unable to change your placement before moving in, you should plan to move into your assigned space and work with our office after opening to request a room change during the room change process.
2025 Summer Housing and Meal Plan Rates
2025 Summer housing will be located in Towers South and will be single-room, community-style. Students not living on campus during the Fall 2025 semester will be required to vacate the summer on-campus housing no later than August 1st.
Summer Room Rates
- Coming Soon
Summer Meal Plan rates
- Coming Soon
*The Flex dollars are prorated based on your arrival date.
Move-in Dates
- Monday, May 12: Noon-9 p.m.
Emails will be sent to students confirming the move-in process and steps needed to take for move-in. Students will pick up their keys and check in at the Towers Complex, 1000 Towers Circle, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.
How do I check my housing assignment?
Once assigned, you can view your housing assignment online from your housing portal by following these steps:
- Log in to my.semo.edu
- Search Residence Life Housing Portal
- Click the “StarRez Housing Portal” link.
- Assignment information is located under your information on the right-hand side of the page
Check-In
Check-in will take place at Towers Customer Service Desk (1000 Towers Circle) between 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Students arriving later in the summer will also check in at the Towers Customer Service desk on their arrival date.
Unfortunately, due to the preparations for summer, students will not be able to arrive on campus or move into their summer assignments earlier than approved move-in dates. If you are required to arrive on campus before these dates, please contact us to discuss any options that may be available.
Carts and dollies/hand trucks will not be available; however, students are permitted to bring their own to assist with their move-in. We encourage students to minimize what they bring from home and not bring anything but necessary belongings, no big items, and no furniture. This will make it easier to move in and keep a non-cluttered living area clean and sanitized.
Parking
When parking or unloading your vehicle, do not park in any reserved parking spaces. After unloading, you must register your vehicle with the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Towers Resident parking lot (located near Group Housing) is available except for the reserved and metered parking spaces.
For any parking-related questions or concerns contact Parking Services.
Mail Services
Packages will be checked in at the Towers Customer Service Desk and available for pick-up with ID and email confirmation from the University mailroom.
Towers Customer Service Desk
The Customer Service Desk at Towers will be open daily with scheduled service hours 3 p.m. -9 p.m. If you are locked out of your room, call the RA duty phone number posted at the Towers Customer Service Desk.
Meal Service
Food will be served at Towers Landing. Visit the SEMO Dining site for summer hours of operation. Meal plans are not required for summer. There are only two meal plans offered during the summer and food is only offered at Towers Landing, Subway, and Starbucks.
One University Plaza, MS 0055
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701